LAKE CITY, Minn. - The CSP men's golf team ended round one of the Watkins Invitational with a 15-stroke lead in first place after Josh Esterley shot a 65 (-7) to lead the competition individually. Esterley's score ties Brandon Sperling's 65 (-7) at the Maverick Desert Classic last April for the lowest individual round in program history. 

Seniors Thomas Gutzmer and Tommy Marker are also tied for third place after each shooting 70 (-2). The Golden Bears finished the day shooting 280 (-8) to lead over Minot State and Minnesota State in second place at 295 (+7). This was the lowest round by the Golden Bears as a team in program history. 

Esterley finished the day with a four-stroke lead over Sioux Falls' Mason Weeks in second place. The St. Thomas transfer had a bogeyless round highlighted by back-to-back eagles on holes eight and nine. He added birdies on holes four, seven and 16 while totaling 13 pars. 

Gutzmer finished his day with six birdies, 10 pars and a pair of double bogeys on holes three and 11. Two under par marks Gutzmer's lowest round as a Golden Bear. Marker hit his lowest round of the season which included six birdies, eight pars and four bogeys. 

Freshman Tyler Debruyckere shot 75 (+3) rounding out the top four scorers for the Golden Bears. Debruyckere tallied two birdies, 10 pars, four bogeys and a double bogey in his round. He finished the day tied for 26th place. 

Senior Bailey Johnston competed as an individual and tied for 29th place shooting 76 (+4). Johnston tallied four birdies in the round. Chase Camilli tied for 52nd shooting 79 (+7), Camden O'Malley tied for 66th shooting 82 (+9) and Trey Timm tied for 68th shooting 82 (+10). 

CSP's previous program-best team round was 278 (-6) in the second round at the Bemidji Invite in 2022. The 280 (-8) on Monday smashed Concordia's previous record score competing at The Jewel Golf Club of 291 (+3) set by the team last season. 

The Golden Bears are back in action for round two on Tuesday in Lake City.